Pictured L to R: Some of the members of the Dickinson Center, Inc. team in Ridgway: Janice Wright, Heather Celidonia, Jim Prosper, Jeff Grubbs, Nikol Chew, Tonya Wolfe, Gracie Prechtl and Leah Donahue.
Every May, Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), an affiliate of Journey Health System, proudly takes part in recognizing National Mental Health Awareness month. This year, they are prioritizing raising awareness about mental health issues and highlighting the importance of well-being in the community.
Mental Health impacts everyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance. Over 20% of American adults (more than 50 million) experience some sort of mental illness every year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). These individuals that experience mental illness could be loved ones or even ourselves. Fortunately, their dedicated mental health professionals are always there to support both adults and children on their healing journeys, assisting them in their recovery and making sure they do not feel alone.
“Maintaining good mental health is vital to overall health and well-being,” said DCI Executive Director Jim Prosper. “And, seeking professional help for your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don’t have to go through these struggles alone.”
DCI has been serving northcentral Pennsylvania since 1958.
Some of their services include:
Behavioral Health Services:
- Autism Services
- Behavioral Health Home Plus
- Blended Case Management
- Children’s Outpatient Services
- Community & School-Based Behavioral Health
- Crossroads
- Drop-In Center
- Decision Support Center
- Employment Support Services
- Family Based Services
- Forensics
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Mental Health Specialist School-Based Outpatient Program
- Outpatient Behavioral Health Counseling
- Peer Support Services
- Restoration Center (LTSR)
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities:
- Adult Day Services
- Community Residential programs
- Employment Support Services
- Lifesharing Through Family Living
Children’s Prevention Services:
- The LIFE Program
- Parents as Teachers
- The Signs of Suicide Prevention Program
- Triple P Program
- The Student Assistance Program
The teams at DCI want to highlight the importance of mental health awareness beyond just one month. They feel that it is crucial to remind others of the importance of caring for yourself. They want to help individuals reach their full potential and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health. There is always hope and there is always help.